‘Tis the season to plan the following year. Like you’re probably doing, I’m goal-setting, which involves writing down my desire.

There is a useful, albeit different, exercise that will give you further clarity: making a list of the things you do not want. I first learned about this strategy from legendary marketer Jeff Paul. He built a framework to live his life under that included:

1. No more face-to-face with customers.
2. No more nights or weekends unless I choose to do so.
3. No more occasional father.
4. No more employees.
5. No more depending on others.
6. No out-of-town trips unless I want to go to a seminar or something.
7. No more wearing a tie.

He decided that if what he was asked didn’t fit into those ground rules and others, he wouldn’t do it.

I recently did the same exercise with a coach I’m working with for the new transformational entertainment mind-reading show I’m developing. The insights helped me clarify what I’ll include and not include in my performance.

I challenge you to take some time and do this exercise. I guarantee you’ll get a lot out of it.

Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero!

Dave “Mr. Contrast” Dee

P.S. Are you or someone you know planning an in-person, virtual, or hybrid conference or seminar in 2022-2023?

If you answer “yes” and want to include world-class entertainment to motivate and inspire your audience and an engaging keynote presentation your attendees will eat up, reply to this email with “Make My Event The Best Ever.” I’ll get you all the details, including how to get both free. 🙂